Dubai style news

Top designers stop off in Dubai and an adventurous new venue to try

By
Jenny Hewett
26 March 2013

Dubai has become a popular holiday jaunt for UK-based reality TV stars of late. But unlike others who are here for a good time, Project Catwalk UK judge and American fashion designer Ben de Lisi recently jetted into the UAE on business. The renowned fashion-crafter, who also designs a range for high-street department store Debenhams (04 340 7575), made his first appearance in the Middle East at the Brit department store’s unveiling of the spring/summer 2013 collection at Capital D Studio in Al Quoz.

Meanwhile, on the other side of town, British designer Debbie Wingham followed in de Lisi’s footsteps to unveil the world’s most expensive red diamond abaya at Raffles Dubai (04 324 8888). Worth Dhs65.1 million, the garment features 200,000 rare natural red diamonds (only one in every 100 million diamonds has the scarlet hue), as well as black and white diamonds. It’s all stitched together with 14-carat white gold thread – we assume it’s dry clean only.

Back on the other side of town, Spanish ready-to-wear label Anna Mora (04 388 1264) has just opened a boutique in Sunset Mall. The brand is all about understated elegance and the collection includes casualwear, work outfits, gowns and accessories. It also stocks a range for the more voluptuous woman. Prices range from Dhs600 to Dhs3,000.